The DPI Office of Literacy: What You Can Expect

In June, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jill Underly appointed Dr. Barb Novak as the director of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s newly formed Office of Literacy.

The Office of Literacy, created by 2023 Wisconsin Act 20 (Act 20), provides leadership at DPI focused on improving literacy (reading) outcomes for each of Wisconsin’s learners, from kindergarten through high school graduation. This includes a focus on Wisconsin’s youngest learners, with the implementation of Act 20 being a critical part of the necessary improvement.

During Dr. Novak’s first month as the director, the DPI Office of Literacy, supported by DPI staff, has:

• Announced aimswebPlus as a statewide early literacy screening tool
• Met with individuals and organizations committed to improving early literacy across the state
• Assembled panels of educators and leaders to share their experiences with science-based early literacy at statewide conferences
• Promptly responded to email and phone calls regarding Act 20.

In the future, you can expect:

• A statewide comprehensive plan to improve literacy outcomes for each student
• Continued information about literacy in Wisconsin (visit the DPI website for more, up-to-date information on this effort)
• All materials and support needed to begin administering the statewide early literacy screening assessment this fall (for 2024-2025 only, administration is not required until mid-year for 5K through grade 3 and spring for 4K)
• Templates and samples to support schools and districts in improving early literacy outcomes, including a family history survey, a personal reading plan, and a district literacy remediation plan.

About Dr. Novak
Dr. Novak is a proud product of Wisconsin public schools from kindergarten through graduate school. She’s lived in Hales Corners, Eau Claire, Stevens Point, the Fox Valley, and Madison. She considers herself a bit of a professional matchmaker, understanding where great things are happening in Wisconsin schools and introducing outstanding Wisconsin educators to each other to further best practices. When you meet her, expect that she’ll tell you all about what she’s reading and want to hear the same from you.

Barb recommends visiting your local public library to check out these new titles for young readers: Jump for Joy written by Karen Gray Ruelle and illustrated by Hadley Hooper and A Mother’s Tongue: A Weaving of Languages written by Uma Menon and illustrated by Rachele Jomepour Bell.